Clamp for constricting flexible tubular elements and the like



June 3, 1952 M. GARLAND 2,598,901

CLAMP FOR CONSTRICTING FLEXIBLE TUBULAR ELEMENTS AND THE LIKE Filed March 10, 1950 20% 20% INVENTOR MATHER GARLAND ATTORNEYS Patented June 3, 1952 OFFICE CLAMP FOR CONSTRICTING FLEXIBLE TUBULAR ELEMENTS AND THE LIKE Mather Garland, Mound, Minn.

Application March 10, 1950, Serial No. 148,852

Claims. 1

This invention relates to deformable clamps adapted to clamp and efficiently seal highly flexible tubular elements including anatomical tissue structures.

The instant application discloses several improvements in structure upon the various clamp constructions illustrated in my co-pending applications, s. N. 104,014 filed July 11, 1949 and S. N. 131,733 filed December 8, 1949.

While my improved deformable clamp is particularly intended for surgical use to constrict or seal various tissues and cords such as umbilical cords, blood vessels and intestines, it is also equally applicable for clamping and sealing high- 1y flexible tubes in surgical, medical and other use such as for example, catheter tubes.

It is an object of my present invention to provide an improved clamp construction of the class described, constructed preferably from an integral strip of material adapted to be bent and to retain a bent and folded form and capable of being operatively applied by hand or by instrument to very quickly and efficiently constrict and seal a flexible tube or the like.

A further object of my present invention is the provision of a very simple, inexpensive clamp of the type described wherein the collapsing and clamping of a flexible tube is produced along a tortuous and multiribbed sealing zone.

More specifically, it is an object to provide a clamp of the general structure disclosed in my said copending applications, but having formed upon the opposed clamping legs thereof, em-

' bossments or corrugations, the greater portions at least of which extend diagonally to the legs of the clamp and also diagonally but nevertheless transversely of the tissue or flexible tube to be constricted and sealed.

Another object is the provision of an improved, preferably integral clamp constructed from ductile material which has an element integrally formed at the extremity of the longer clamping leg to facilitate removal and reuse of the clamp for certain specific purposes.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation illustrating in full lines the closed and fully clamped position of an instrument or forceps for applying certain forms of'my clamp construction and showing a clampof the form illustrated in Fig. 2' applied therein, the dotted lines indicating the open position of one of the jaws of the instrument and a preformed clamp in position to apply to a flexible element;

Fig. 3 is a view on a larger scale showing a somewhat different form of my clamp adapted for application by hand bending and finger pressure;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the clamp shown in Fig. 3 in its preformed shape for application to a tubular element;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the clamp in Fig. 3 shown as operatively applied to a tubular element such as an umbilical cord;

Fig. 6 is a cross section on a larger scale taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. '7 is a top plan view showing a somewhat different form of clamp in its preformed, opened position.

The clamp shown in Fig. 2 is integrally formed from a strip of non-corrosive, preferably ductile metal such as thin aluminum which is capable of being forcibly bent, corrugated or embossed and which will retain its shape when bent. The clamp indicated as an entirety by the numeral l0 before application thereof, is preformed in the general shape of a letter V having an apex Ilia disposed medially of its length and having a pair of legs "lb and I00 diverging therefrom. The medial bend or apex 10a divides the integral strip in into portions adapted to clamp and retain under compression therebetween, a flexible tube or shank. The lower leg I00 of the clamp, as shown, in Fig. 2, is substantially longer than the upper concavely arced leg lb and has its extremity inturned to form a normally open hook or looking flange [0d related as shown to the adjacent portion of leg we in the manner of a small V. The leg I00 as shown, is substantially straight from the apex lfla to the flange Id. The greater portions of the lengths of clamping legs lob and I0c as shown in Fig. 2, are diagonally corrugated to provide in opposing clamping faces of the legs I01) and I00, mating ribs I06 and channels lllf respectively. These corrugations or embossments are readily formed in the ductile strip I0 by dies during the manufacture and produce collectively, a tortuous sealing zone extending diagonally of the legs and also diagonally of the flexible member clamped and sealed. The corrugations forming ribs lfle and channels Iilf do not extend to or traverse the ends of the legs but leave substantially flat extremities and in the case of the lower leg [00 the entire locking hooking structure Hid is free of corrugation. The clamp therefore constitutes a pair of opposing clamping legs i i and h'ic in the form of strip portions constructed. from bendable material adapted to retain its shape when bent with the apex portion Hia being a means for fixedly interconnecting the legs. The corrugations or ribs have at least portions thereof extending diagonally of the legs.

In Fig. 1 a special tool or instrument, preferably in the form of a pair of pliers P having a pair of crossed shanks H and i2 pivoted adjacent their outer ends upon a pivot screw I5 and having thumb and finger handles Ma and [2a respectively, is shown. Shank H has integrally formed therewith, a jaw l3 having a curved outer portion and provided with a substantially arcuate clamping surface 13a near the outer extremity thereof and having a notched shoulder I3b disposed just inwardly of the concave portion for seating and receiving the apex Ida of one of the clamps. The jaw l3 at its outer extremity is provided with an abutment finger IE-c having shouldered relation to form a seat to initially abut and retain the outer extremity of the leg ltc of the clamp. The shank 12 of the pliers has integrally formed or otherwise rigidly secured therewith, a reversely curved jaw indicated as an entirety by the numeral Id and having at its outer portion a convex clamping element Hia opposed to the clamping jaw portion 13a and complementarily shaped thereto. 'I prefer to provide means such as a clip spring it for urging the shanks and consequently the jaws i3 and is together with light pressure adequate to retain the clamp in its open position. One end of clip (6 is secured to the shank H, while the intermediate portion of the clip is curved about the opposite side of shank l2 and the opposite end of the clip is secured to the rear portion of jaw It. The jaws I3 and id of said instrument or pliers are provided with retaining elements for holding the clamp 19 in open position as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and cooperate as anvils and forming dies to apply the clamping legs against an anatomical tube or other flexible element, to project the extremity of the upper clamping leg lilb beneath the locking flange or hook Hid of the lower leg to clinch the locking flange as shown in Fig. l and to simultaneously with said clinching action and thereafter deform and bow the doubled clamp bodily for additional sealing action and for causing a greater rigidity to be effected on the applied clamp. In Fig. 1 an umbilical cord is shown in cross section, fla tened and sealed by the tortuous clamping zone provided by the legs lflb and 190 of the clamp.

In Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive, I illustrate another form of my invention wherein the clamp is again constructed integrally from' a strip of ductile, non-corrosive metal such as aluminum, bent intermediately into the general form of a V along a transverse apex Ella and having diverging upper and lower legs 20?) and 260 respectively. The two legs 29b and Ziic are corrugated as in the form of clamp shown in Fig. 2 to form cooperating and mating ribs Elle at the underside of the upper leg and channels Zfif in the upper face of the lower and longer leg. The said corrugations do not extend to the outer ends of the legs 2% and 290 but leave on the upper leg, a substantially flat extremity 20g which is adapted to be retained and clinched by a flatted locking portion 20h of the lower leg. The extremity of the lower leg is sharply angled relative to the locking portion 261% in its preformed state to form a removal tip or detent 291 which when the along the tortuous clamping zone.

clamp is closed operatively, as shown in Fig. 5, extends angularly to the doubled body so that the clamp may be readily disengaged and opened by fingers or instrument, with or without gloves on the hand of the operator. The clamp shown in Figs. 3 to 5 is adapted to be set upon an umbilical cord, blood vessel or highly flexible tube such as a catheter tube, by hand, the two legs 2% and 200 being first pressed together to constrict the tube and thereafter the locking end 2072. being bent upwardly and then inwardly to clinch against the extremity 20g of the upper leg. Thereafter, further clamping action may be obtained by bodily deforming or bowing the applied clamp into somewhat arcuate shape, thereby further compressing the tubular element In this connection, it will be seen that with the plurality of ribs and channels 20c and 20 disposed diagonally of the clamp and also diagonally of the tubular tissue or element, a plurality of separate clamping and drawing actions are produced upon the flexible element to tightly stretch and seal the element in a most effective manner.

It should be noted particularly from Fig. 6, that in forming the clamp shown in all of the views herein, the cooperating clamping surfaces of the two legs of the clamp are ineach instance at their longitudinal edges, outturned away from the clamping zones, to form outturned flanges 207' and 20k in the upper and lower legs respectively. These outturned or rounded edges prevent any cutting or injury to delicate tissues or other tubular elements constricted by the clam s.

The form of the invention shown in Fig. 7 is substantially similar to the form described in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive with the exception that the embcssments or ribs and channels of the two legs 3% and 300 are in the form of parabola curves traversing the widths of the respective legs. The ribs extending from the inner face of the upper leg 3% interfit with mating grooves or channels 30f formed in the upper face of the lower and longer leg 300. In this form, the tubular element is clamped throughout in general a tortuously extending clamping zone and again a plurality of separate clamping and restricting actions occur in operation. This clamp is also constructed for hand operation and application to the flexible element.

The forms of the invention illustrated in Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive in addition to the highly successful use by hand application to anatomical tissues such as umbilical cords, blood vessels and intestinal tissues are particularly adapted for use in various flexible tubular appliances where it is desired to very efi'ectively and temporarily seal a tubular conduit such as the conduits used in conventional catheter tubes.

Some types of catheter tubes include in addi tion to the main drainage tube or passage, one or more auxiliary and usually smaller rubber tubes, one of which is used to inflate a retainer or balloon. Some tubes have a third tube or passage through which water or fluid may be directed under pressure for purpose of flushing the bladder.

With my structure any one of the two or more tubes of the catheter may be very quickly constricted and perfectly sealed by the hand-applied clamp shown in Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive. The construction of these clamps with the detent or angularly disposed finger piece 292' enables the doctor or attendant to readily and quickly remove the clamp when the same is desired. The construction of the emibossments or corrugations in addition to insuring a perfect constriction and seal of the tube, minimizes wear upon the rubber or other flexible element engaged with the result that the tubes of a catheter structure may be reused over a long period of time without wear through constriction.

Previous to my invention, methods of restricting or closing the ends of such tubes as those used in catheter devices have been objectionable because the tubes are often actually sharply folded and tied, producing much wear, or in some instances, stoppers or plug elements were used at outer extremities. Such plug members sometimes inadvertently loosened and became detached, often causing deflation of the balloon or drainage of the liquid from the bladder before the same was desirable. With my improved structure, these objections are completely eliminated.

The structure of my clamp as disclosed in Figs. 3 to 5 inclusive, provides another feature which should be mentioned. It will be noted that the shorter and upper leg 2% is curved slightly along a concave line when viewed from above, While the lower leg 200 is substantially straight from the apex of the clamp to the outturned releasing detent. Thus, when the two legs of the clamp are pressed together by finger pressure the medial bowed portion of the upper leg 2% first contacts or cooperates with the upper surface of the longer leg and thereafter, when the locking portion h near the outer extremity of the longer leg is clinched over the extremity 20g of the shorter leg, a resilient tension is applied through this clinching action which will compensate or take up for any subsequent shrinkage in the tissue or other fabric of the tubular element.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that I have provided an extremely simple clamp of the class described adapted to be manufactured from integral strips of somewhat ductile and bendable material at very low cost.

It will of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. A clamp for flexible tubular elements or the like comprising a pair of opposed clamping legs in the form of strip portions constructed from bendable material adapted to retain its shape when bent or folded, means for fixedly interconnecting said legs, one of said legs having an extension at one end. thereof for folding over and clinching against the extremity of the other leg to secure said legs in clamping engagement against a tubular element and one of said legs having on the inner clamping surface thereof a series of ribs, said ribs having at least portions thereof which extend diagonally of said legs while nevertheless being in position to traverse the tubular element clamped.

2. A clamp for flexible tubular elements or the like comprising a pair of opposed clamping legs in the form of strip portions constructed from bendable material adapted to retain its shape when bent or folded, means for fixedly interconnecting said legs, one of said legs having an extension at one end thereof for folding over and clinching against the extremity of the other leg to secure said legs in clamping engagement against a tubular element, one of said legs having a rib on its inner or clamping surface, said rib having at least a portion thereof extending generally diagonally to said legs, the other of said legs having a channel on its inner or clamping surface opposed to said rib and complementary in shape thereto for producing an efficient clamping relation for sealing the tubular element.

3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein the said extension of one of said legs is free from ribs or channels to facilitate bending and clinching thereof over the end of the other leg.

4. A clamp for flexible tubular elements and the like comprising an integral metallic strip adapted to retain its shape when bent or deformed, said strip being before use, shaped in the general form of a V and having a pair of opposed clamping legs, one of said legs having an extension portion adapted to be bent over and clinched against the end of the other for securing the legs to compress a tubular element, one of said legs having a series of ribs on the inner or clamping face thereof, said ribs having at least portions thereof which extend diagonally of the leg and the other of said legs having on its inner or clamping surface a plurality of channels of complementary shape to and opposed to said ribs, said ribs and channels being formed by mating corrugations formed in said opposed clamping legs.

5. A clamp for flexible tubular elements and the like, comprising a pair of opposed clamping legs in the form of strip portions constructed from material having resiliency but being sufficiently ductile to be bent and to retain its shape when bent, means for fixedly interconnecting said legs in a preformed, general V-shape, one of said legs extending substantially straight and having an extension at one end thereof for folding over and clinching against the end of the other leg to secure said legs in clamping engagement against a tubular element, the other of said legs [being convexly curved along its surface opposed to said first mentioned leg to cause said tubular element to be initially compressed between the intermediate portions of said opposed legs and to cause the intermediate portion of said second leg to be tensioned by the clinching of said extension portion against the end of the other leg to take up and compensate for shrinking of said tubular member after afiixing of said clamp.

MATHER GARLAND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 400,627 Angell Apr. 2, 1889 748,298 Monson Dec. 29, 1903 1,583,919 Flora May 11, 1926 2,368,913 Bolinger Feb. 6, 1945 2,384,697 Riccardi Sept. 11, 1945 

